When Living with Chronic Pain Feels Normal

June 27, 2017 October 23, 2018

Let’s clear some things up first. Pain shouldn’t be a normal part of your life, but chronic pain is a condition that affects a large number of people in the world. Some attribute it to old age, others think it’s to do with underlying health conditions, and some are convinced they have to live with it. However, as debilitating as it can be, there are plenty of treatments available and a proper diagnosis can do wonders for you. Even if living with chronic pain becomes normal, there are ways to make your everyday more comfortable.

Diagnose the Problem

First of all, don’t go online and try to look for people that have similar symptoms. Chronic pain is a personal experience, and it’s usually different for everyone. Some people will have it at different times to you, some will experience pain in other parts of the body, and some experience different types of pain.

Since it can occur at seemingly random times and in various parts of the body, it’s best you see a doctor to properly diagnose the problem. Technology and the internet can only take you so far, so try not to rely too much on a self diagnosis.

Seek Advice when Living with Chronic Pain

You likely already know this one. Usually the first person to seek the advice of for more comfortable living with chronic pain is a doctor. They can teach you some basic chronic pain management techniques or at least refer you to a specialist who can tell you how to lessen the effects of chronic pain.

These strategies usually involve meditative breathing exercises, and you might get a painkiller prescription for immediate relief. In some situations, surgery may be necessary to improve your condition. But this is rare and usually optional unless the pain gets overwhelming.

Fit Your Life around Your Pain

Depending on what your diagnosis is, it’s possible to fit your life around chronic pain. One of the most basic examples is to look at your furniture if you have a back issue. If you spend a lot of time sitting down, then invest in a sturdy chair that supports your entire back.

It might require a bit of trial and error but there are furniture pieces designed to be ergonomic. Certain furnishings are made specifically to reduce the type of pain you experience regularly.

Mental Health Considerations

Living with chronic pain can be debilitating, to a point that it affects your mental health. When this occurs, it likely interferes with your daily life and can even cause stress at times. Stress is taxing on the body; it can raise your anxiety levels and even spiral into depression.

It’s important to look after your mental state during this time because it can easily spiral out of control. Focus on trying to surround yourself with positivity. Doing so can help with pain management. Also, always seek help when times get rough. Remember that you’re never alone in your journey, and there are many online communities and support groups ready to help those living with chronic pain.

This was very fascinating information. I have MS and have pain most of the time. It is a frustrating thing but I try to be positive! I just started following your blog as I just started my own about a month ago as well! Take care!!

Excellent post, Christy – one of the banes of my existence is regular visits to various health practitioners – so I hate the thought of adding to that regimen. I usually wait a while before I seek out help… stubborn old… ;)

As always, I love this. I really do look to your posts for comfort and advice, I’m so glad I found you here. This is so important, chronic pain has such a stigma attached to it, it’s so important to be informed and empathetic because it’s such a difficult transition to make. Learning to live with chronic pain is so difficult, it’s not easy to pick up a new life up off the shelf and just step into it. Learning to live with pain takes time, patience and a good shoulder to cry on✨💛

Wow, your compliment humbles me. I must say that’s so sweet of you to write here. I appreciate that you mention the importance of a “good shoulder to cry on” because the reality is that we all can benefit from the support of others <3

I don’t think we can understand how debilitating and depressing chronic pain can be unless we experience it. I had a friend who lived with fibromyalgia for years and she suffered horribly at times. I sympathized, but I never really understood until I tore my shoulder out of its socket. The pain was excruciating, and even after it was fixed, it was still chronically painful for several weeks. This pain made it difficult for me to think right, to write right, to act right and to sleep right. From then on, I’ve had such much more empathy for those in chronic pain. “Helpless” is a good word that Tanya uses, above.

I almost felt the pain when you wrote that “tore” your shoulder, Pamela. But you’re quite right that we don’t really get it until it happens to us. It’s like with my depression. People say they understand but until they have experienced it themselves, they cannot fully comprehend it. Still, the support and consideration of others is priceless. Thank you for your comment!

I was in pain as I read this today after hearing from my doctor that I’ll probably just have to live with it or adjust my lifestyle. I think it was as hard for him (He is young.) to tell me this as it was for me to hear it. (I am old.) I am trying really hard not to become depressed and making an effort to focus on anything positive. Your article was “just there.” Not a coincidence.

This is a really good post, my father was diagnosed with Lung cancer last year (luckily he is in remission now) but his mental state took a temporary hit – but luckily we have a great Healthcare system in Australia and we all made it through!